Enter the Dru - Dru Hill (CD 1998)

Dru Hill exploded into my awareness after their major success "How Deep Is Your Love" saturated the airwaves from the soundtrack Rush Hour. Definitely one of the most talented R&B groups of the nineties, Dru Hill consists of Woody, Jazz, Nokio and current solo artist Sisqo. Creating a sexual, raw sound these men are equally as talented as Boys II Men and when it comes to picking up the pace, more fun to listen to.

The album opens with the sound of a helicopter and a voice on the radio with Sisqo's soulful voice in the background. This is called "Enter The Dru (Interlude)" and I find this to be one of the more interesting openings to an R&B album I have heard recently. Then it immediately leads into the smooth and sultry "Real Freak". Oozing with sensuality and very steamy lyrics this song is made for getting busy. I love the way the chorus has such interesting rhythmic structure while Sisquo improvises above. The lyrics are blatantly sexual but Dru Hill makes it sound intimate instead of crude.

Next we have their gigantic hit "How Deep Is Your Love?". From the opening "yeah" we hear a fun song with a ferocious beat. Sisqo has a very versatile voice and has a way of phrasing and working his voice to make even the most difficult line sound like it just rolls off the tongue. The group does an excellent job of creating a unique sound and executing exciting vocal arrangements.

"This Is What We Do" features Method Man and is a very satisfying track. A merciless hook, you will find yourself singing this song long after the CD is over. Method Man injects energy into this jam and all though raps in R&B has been over done as of late, in this song it sounds appropriate and smooth. Sisqo and Woody play off each other at the end of this song and show how in tune they are with each other and the group.

Jazz takes lead on the next track called "Holding You" and shows Sisqo isn't the only one blessed with a soulful voice and he shows it off in this medium paced song. Holding you has some gorgeous back-up harmonies and excellent production. This is yet another excellent track on this album.

Opening with some funky guitar and effects "I'm Wondering" features some of the rhythmic lines Dru Hill is known for and a catchy, singable chorus. Not quite as energetic as some of the previous numbers, this is by no means filler but doesn't hit quite as hard as the rest of the album up to this point.

"You Are Everything" has a very melodic sound reminding the listener of Boys II Men and is one of the first pure love songs featured on this album. Sisqo infuses his vocals with passion and true regret and the rest of Dru Hill supplies fantastic vocals complimenting his unique sound. This is a stunning example of Dru Hill's tender side, and the ability to range from macho ego to tender lovers makes them a staple of the R&B scene. Most groups lean too far one way are the other, but Dru Hill straddles the fence with skill and believability.

Speaking of ego and tenderness, "I'll Be The One" has plenty of both. Wanting to treat the object of their desire so good they'll forget about the heartless cad who broke their heart, Dru Hill presents this romantic premise elegantly. Yet, they also have no doubt their ability to get the job done and illustrate this with promises of making their lover "climb the walls" and statements like "let's bump that n#*gg* out of your mind". This works well though and blends several different fantasies into one song. This is Dru Hill.

But our four knights eager to get out of their armor also have the achilles heel of being vulnerable, and show it on the next track "One Good Reason". A beautiful ballad, this song is simple and heartfelt. Next after an explanatory interlude Woody takes the lead vocal on "Angel". Responding to fans who wondered why he doesn't do more singing, he informs us that he has in past hits and continues to do so in this beautiful piano ballad. Woody has a beautiful voice and the song is so sweet and almost innocent. It really is a highlight of the album.

"What Do I Do With The Love" is another slow love song and Sisqo relates this idea with emotion and the style brings strong memories forward of New Edition in the Johnny Gill days. Another commercial hit "These Are The Times" is also featured on this album.

Every song on this album is strong and enjoyable. Dru Hill proves to be the most versatile R&B male act in the genre and I look forward to hearing their next project. If you enjoy Dru Hill, make sure to check out New Edition, Boys II Men and Jodeci.